Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Kenya to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Kenya to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Kenya to Ireland requires Port Health clearance as an additional step. Deaths in safari areas require internal transfer to Nairobi before any international process can begin. Typical timeline: 14-28 days.
- Key documents: Kenyan death certificate and Port Health clearance (freedom from infection)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. All documentation and cargo departs from Nairobi.
- Safari area deaths require road or charter aircraft transfer to Nairobi. Add significant time.
Step by step
Timeline: Kenya to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Nairobi: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with civil registrar. Burial permit obtained.
Funeral director handles registration. Safari area deaths require transfer to Nairobi first.
Local funeral director and civil registrar
Irish Embassy Nairobi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming in Nairobi
Professional embalming facilities available in Nairobi. Limited outside the capital.
Licensed local funeral director
Port Health clearance and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days. Port Health is an additional step specific to Kenya.
Local funeral director and Port Health
Air cargo from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
The repatriation process from Kenya
Contact emergency services (999 or 112). If death occurs outside hospital, police must attend. Death registered with the civil registrar at the district office. Deaths in safari areas (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo) require road or light aircraft transfer to Nairobi before documentation can begin.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Kenya to Ireland
In a straightforward Nairobi case, repatriation from Kenya to Ireland takes 10-14 days. Deaths in safari areas add significant time for internal transfer. Most cases take 14-28 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks.
Contact a repatriation specialist and the Department of Foreign Affairs (+353 1 408 2000) immediately. Deaths in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, or other remote areas require road or light aircraft transfer to Nairobi before any documentation can begin.
The core documents are: Kenyan death certificate, embalming certificate, Port Health clearance (freedom from infection certificate), police report/clearance, and passport of the deceased.
The Irish Embassy in Nairobi can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Kenyan documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem.
Yes. Cremation in Kenya and bringing ashes home to Ireland is an option. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and Port Health clearance.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Kenyan documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Nairobi can register the death and advise.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Kenya, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Ireland.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Kenya (gov.uk) · Kenya repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions